Day 3 of Pakistan vs South Africa:
The third day of the South Africa vs Pakistan first test match in Lahore had exciting drama and excellent sport. With a magnificent six-wicket from Noman Ali that destroyed South Africa’s batting order, Pakistan took control of the game. Even with a century of struggle from Tony de Zorzi, South Africa was unable to prevent Pakistan from increasing their hold. South Africa was still in need of 226 more runs to win, having fallen to 51 for 2 by stumps. With the surface providing sharp turns and Pakistan’s spinners controlling the match, the home team ended the day comfortably ahead.
South Africa Resume at 216/6:
Tony de Zorzi, who is undefeated at 81, was anxious to increase his team’s score as South Africa began the morning at 216 for 6. Playing confidently, the left-hander handled Pakistan’s constant spin attacks with composure while creating openings in the field. In a fierce battle with the tail, De Zorzi steadily increased the score and reached an incredible 104 off 171 balls. Which was completed with 2 sixes and 10 boundaries. His deft stroke play kept South Africa alive, but his departure caused a quick collapse. South Africa finished the innings with 269 runs in 87 overs.
Pakistan’s Bowling Brilliance
With an incredible 6 for 112, Noman Ali led the attack. Sajid Khan provided excellent support with 3 for 98. From the opposite end, Salman Ali Agha contributed with a 1 for 21, maintaining the pressure. With a combination of deft turns and smart variations. The spin pair ripped through South Africa’s batting order, destroying the visitors and giving Pakistan a dominating 109-run advantage going into their second innings.
Pakistan’s Second Innings:
Pakistan tried to increase their control on the game with a 109-run lead, but South Africa’s spinners put up an intense fight. After dismissing Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood, Simon Harmer left Pakistan struggling at 36 for 2. The visitors saw an opportunity at once.
With cool resolve, Abdullah Shafique (41) and Babar Azam (42) struck back, overcoming the turn with smart movement and excellent shot selection. Their 70-run partnership restored Pakistan’s momentum and restored some balance. The innings, however, lost form once more when Rabada caught Babar leg before wicket. Despite efforts by Saud Shakeel (38), South Africa’s spinners would not slow down. After tearing through the tail, Muthusamy and Harmer ended the innings for 167, leaving South Africa with 277 runs to chase.
South Africa’s Bowling Figures
With yet another outstanding performance, Senuran Muthusamy led South Africa’s attack, taking 5 for 57 to finish with an outstanding 11-wicket haul for the match. With 4 for 51, Simon Harmer maintained the pressure from the other end, and Kagiso Rabada added 1 for 31. Utilizing every bit of bounce and turn in the Lahore pitch, the South African bowlers were able to dominate Pakistan’s lineup and force their team back into the match.
South Africa’s Chase:
Pakistan’s bowlers quickly established dominance, and South Africa had a tough task chasing 277. After his heroics in the first innings, Noman Ali was full of confidence and quickly removed Wiaan Mulder and Aiden Markram, bringing South Africa down to 18 for 2. As the fielders gathered around the bat and Pakistan’s spinners launched an unrelenting onslaught, the pressure never decreased. After 22 tight overs, the visitors were still far from safety at 51 for 2, thanks to the steadying of the innings by stumps from Ryan Rickelton (29)* and Tony de Zorzi (16)*.
Day 4 Preview:
The South Africa vs Pakistan first test is well in Pakistan’s control as Day 4 draws near. With eight wickets already under his belt, Noman Ali appears ready to spearhead another spin attack on a field. The surface still provides variations in bounce and sharp turns, which are ideal for Pakistan’s bowlers. South Africa will have to work hard to survive against Pakistan’s disciplined spinners and the energy of the home fans, as they need 226 runs with just eight wickets remaining.
Key Battles to Watch on Day 4:
- Can de Zorzi repeat his first-innings heroics?
- Will Rickelton stand firm against Noman and Sajid?
- Or will Pakistan’s spin twins finish the job before lunch?
Everything points to an exciting finish as Pakistan aims to take a 1–0 lead in the series.
Conclusion:
Sharp turns, patient batting, and brilliant spin bowling were all highlights of the South Africa vs Pakistan Test match. Despite Tony de Zorzi’s valiant 104, South Africa was unable to stop Pakistan from seizing the lead. With match statistics of 6/112 and 2/19, Noman Ali spearheaded the attack, and Sajid Khan provided outstanding support with 3/98. Simon Harmer (4/51) and Senuran Muthusamy (5/57) fought valiantly to keep South Africa in the game, but Pakistan’s dominance in the first innings proved decisive. As the game moves into Day 4, Pakistan is on the edge of a stunning home win, and if their spinners keep striking, Lahore could soon explode in celebration of another great Pakistan vs South Africa triumph.
With six wickets in South Africa’s first innings and two more in their second, Noman Ali was the most impressive player and gave Pakistan the upper hand.
After getting bowled out for 167 in their second innings, Pakistan set a target of 277 runs.
Simon Harmer grabbed 4 for 51, while Senuran Muthusamy led South Africa’s bowling attack with 5 wickets for 57 runs.